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Pimp my bike

Steve Conaway Labs Manager / Senior Technical Project Manager
I am the Labs Manager for CNET's Home Division based in Louisville, KY. My interest in technology began in the early '90s, and soon after I began my double major in computer science and computer engineering. I've worked in many areas, including computer hardware, software, technology, networking, graphic design, instruction, construction, music and even ballroom dancing! 65% Ron Swanson, 25% Ben Wyatt, 10% Andy Dwyer.
Expertise I've been an outdoor enthusiast my entire life. I also renovate, flip and build houses in my 'spare' time. Paired with our test lab facilities, I write about lots of outdoor related things - portable power stations, tools, etc.
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Steve Conaway
2 min read

I pimped my ride long ago. Back in the day, my parents bought me a sound generator that attached to my bicycle handlebars. With a twist, it rumbled like I was revving the engine on an honest-to-goodness motorcycle.

I felt like I was the top dog on the block. Nobody dared rival me on the sidewalk. Rub-on tattoos covering my rippling 8-inch biceps, I was the master of all I surveyed--up to the end of the block and before the street lights came on. I would have been the baddest of all the Hell's Angels if they would have just had a preteen bicycle-riding gang.

Eventually, even the baddest of badasses have to pass the torch. My son is going to be the baddest kid on the block. I'm passing the LED-equivalent of the torch with the SpokePOV LED Bike Wheel kit. This high-tech bicycle kit is the equivalent of ground effects. Not too bad for $37.50.

Of course, if he has something cool, I have to have something cool. too. One of CNET U.K.'sCrave writers reviewed the Dub Pimpstar, which beats ground effects with in-wheel effects. The Dub Pimpstar is an alloy-wheel model with built-in LED lights.

The LEDs fire as the wheel spins, creating the same image--of anything you choose--on all four wheels. Four different images can also be displayed, changing at different intervals. Images are updated from within the vehicle by a laptop running custom software over Wi-Fi. Bring on the jokes about what would happen if cars ran Microsoft Windows.

I haven't decided if I am going to spend the $12,500 for a set of four Dub Pimpstar wheels. If I do, I guarantee I'll be the baddest on the block, even after the street lights come on.